Kadam tree

jiwaji university

SOS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

*Botanical name:- Neolamarckia cadamba

*Local name - Burflower-tree, laran, Leichhardt pine, kadam, cadamba, White jabon, wild cinchona.

*Family - Rubiaceae

* Medicinal used -

Kadamba (Neolamarckia Cadamba) is an ayurvedic medicine used for treating diabetes. It is also beneficial for the management of infections caused by a range of organisms. This herb is known to possess strong medicinal properties, which help to improve the health of the person.

Anti-diabetic activity-

Frequent use of Kadamba is highly beneficial for the patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased levels of blood sugar due to the alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

It occurs due to the reduced production of insulin in the pancreas or the inability of the body’s cells to respond to the insulin in an appropriate way. As a result of these abnormalities, the carbohydrates consumed by the person cannot be metabolized leading to high blood sugar levels.

Cancer-

Kadamba produces a significant antitumor activity. It is used in the management of several forms of cancer including prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer.

Cancer occurs due to the propagation of the abnormal cells in any organ in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells have a high tendency to spread to the surrounding as well as the distant healthy tissues resulting in the spread of cancer.

Fungal infections-

Kadamba produces a strong antifungal action. It can be used to treat fungal infections of the skin, and ears. The extract of the leaf and bark of this herb produce an antifungal activity, which helps to eliminate the fungi. It can also be used to treat infections caused due to a wide range of fungi including Candida Albicans and Aspergillus Fumigatus.

Musculo-skeletal diseases-

Kadamba is quite beneficial to treat the joint and muscle disorders like arthritis, muscle stiffness, and rheumatism. It acts as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. It contains flavonoids like quercetin, daidzein, silymarin apigenin, and genistein, which help to provide relief from the pain and stiffness caused due to the musculoskeletal disorders.

Antibacterial activity-

Kadamba can be used to treat infections caused due to bacteria. It helps to treat infections in the skin, digestive tract, nervous system, bones, eyes, and ears.

other uses-

Paste of the leaves of kadamba are tied over the wound or area affected with localized pain and swelling to reduce the complaints.

Decoction of the bark of Neolamarckia cadamba is used to wash the infected wound.

Decoction of the bark of the plant is used for gargling to treat mouth ulcers and inflammation of the gums.

Decoction of kadamba is taken in a dose of 30-40 ml to treat diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Powder of the bark of the tree is given with sugar candy in a dose of 5-6 g to treat nausea and vomiting.

Juice of the fruit of kadamba is given in a dose of 40-50 ml to treat excessive sweating, thirst and burning sensation of the body.

Decoction of the root of Neolamarckia cadamba is taken in dose of 30-40 ml to treat urinary tract infection and renal calculi.

Decoction of the bark of the tree is consumed in a dose of 30-40 ml to treat fever.

Paste of the bark of kadamba is applied over black spots and pimples.

Fresh juice of the leaf is consumed in a dose of 10-15 ml to treat leucorrhoea and increased menstrual flow.

Fresh juice of the fruit is useful to increase the breast milk in lactating women.

Paste prepared from the bark of stem and leaf of kadamba is useful to treat pain, redness and itching due to insect bite.

An extract of the leaves serves as a mouth gargle.

Decoction of bark skin is an effective remedy for diarrhea, dysentery and colitis.

*Environmental uses-

The importance of our forests to the health of our planet cannot be overstated. One of the primary functions of trees is to consume CO2 from the atmosphere and release oxygen to it through the process of photosynthesis.

Improved Air Quality — Besides the oxygen they produce, trees absorb and store carbon dioxide. Trees also act as a filter by trapping and holding impurities, pollutants, and dust.

Environmental Control and Regulation — Mature trees within a city efficiently absorb CO2, reduce wind speeds, moisten the air through evapotranspiration, and can significantly reduce the temperature in a city by reflecting solar energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday planted a Kadamb tree at 7RCR on the occasion of World Environment Day to create awareness for environment.